1 Montreal 7 26 Buffalo 2
Montreal has a beautiful transition game. Gallagher, Eller, and the usuals advance the puck up the ice quickly from their zone. This creates chances. Markov was in on 5 of Montreal's goals. Interestingly, in this game, Montreal gave up a lot of the center ice to Buffalo. It could easily have been 7-6. If Montreal gives up that kind of space against Toronto, they could still win it, but Toronto will get goals. Jack Eichel looks really good. He does a lot small things on his skates to remain elusive. It reminds me of Patrick Kane a bit.
18 Boston at 6 New York Islanders
Boston winning this game makes no sense to me. Watching the game, though, Boston seemed to outwork the Isles. The Islanders had some chances that could have turned the game but they gave up a lot more. As I mentioned before, I am really unsure of this defense group. They gave Boston a lot of center ice. Boston was pressuring and working. That is how a lesser talented team can beat a really good team like the Isles.
10 Tampa Bay at 8 Winnipeg
When Tampa Bay is in the arena go ahead and expect a shoot out. They push it with three and four lines. The fun part is, they give a lot up on the defensive end allowing whoever they play a lot of opportunities. Winnipeg had chances. Ehlers had the game on his stick a couple of times and couldn't finish. I hope this isn't indicative of his ability. He is a great skater and fun to watch. Stamkos is great to watch - in moments, I can picture Guy Lafleur type grace in his skating.
14 Detroit at 29 Calgary
Giordano got a hat-trick? No, but it was close. He really is a great defenseman and I think he will have to carry this Calgary team if they want consistency. Detroit is consistent - they are not easy to play against and they will burn you if you give them many chance. However, they had a lot of chances they didn't finish in this one.
12 Washington at 22 Edmonton
28 Carolina at 21 Los Angeles
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